BJP demands adequate central forces for Kerala, West Bengal polls

NEW DELHI: Apprehending violence during the upcoming West Bengal and Kerala assembly polls, the BJP today moved the Election Commission demanding deployment of adequate central forces and observers in the two states.

A party delegation submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission and demanded that steps be initiated to ensure free and fair elections in Kerala and West Bengal.

The BJP delegation led by Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, alleged discrepancies on a large scale in voters' list published for 2016 in Kerala.

"For example, population of Kerala is 3,34,06,061 according to 2011 census, but 2,56,27,620 voters have been shown in the voters list which is impossible because people under 18 years of age had also been included in the census.

"Besides this, about 23.63 lakh non-resident Keralites have not been included in the voters list. BJP leaders demanded that these mistakes be corrected immediately and on-line voters' registration should continue," the memorandum said.

BJP alleged that some political parties might indulge in "violence and chaos to disturb fair and fear-free election process in Kerala."

The delegation told the Commission that communal and violent incidents have been taking place in various parts of West Bengal continuously.

"Hundreds of BJP workers have been killed. Several administrative and police officials have been working like workers of the ruling party. Some districts of West Bengal have become stronghold of anti-national and anarchist elements. The ruling party seems either a mute spectator to these elements or is saving them," it alleged.

The party urged the poll watchdog to ensure adequate deployment of central security forces and special observers in both the states during election process.

A party statement claimed that the Commission assured the BJP leaders of positive action on their demands.

"The Election Commission assured that scrutiny of voters' list will be held at booth-level in Kerala. The Commission also assured of fair and fear-free elections in West Bengal. The Election Commission said that it would keep a close eye on the situation so that elections can take place in fair and free atmosphere. The Commission also assured regarding adequate deployment of Central security forces and special observers," it said.

Besides West Bengal and Kerala, polls are due in Assam, Pudducherry and Tamil Nadu.